Ecclesiastes Series
Do not be quick with your mouth or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few… When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Ecclesiastes 5:2,4
In the last devotion, the Spirit admonished us to watch our step when we enter the house of God. Now, He issues a warning: when you go to God’s house, be careful what you say and what you promise to Him.
Have you kept your confirmation vows, installation vows, or wedding vows? How often we promise henceforth to amend our sinful lives. Many of our prayers contain promises. Remember: this is the GOD OF HEAVEN to whom we earth-bound creatures make promises. We need to fear Him and choose our words carefully. Once we have made a promise, we should not delay to keep it.
Frail, earthly beings often do not keep their promises. However, God Almighty in the heavens does not fail to keep His promises. “Has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19) As surely as the Son of God died on the cross, so surely, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Therefore, in reverence to God and with well chosen words, confess your failures to Him. God will faithfully keep His promises. Indeed, His justice requires that He forgive us.
Then, completely cleansed, exercise care in expressing your overwhelming gratitude. Don’t promise what you cannot do. As for what you do promise, rest on the strength that only God can give.
When we our vows today recall,
Renew us all, dear Savior.
And when we promise to be true,
May we forget it never!
Yet, we are weak and frail
When Satan's hosts assail.
Forgive us in Your sight
And grant that in the fight
We unto death be faithful!
The Lutheran Hymnal 337:3 (adapted)